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Our Therapists

When you work with one of us, you work with all of us. We are a diverse team of therapists who partner together. Our collaborative approach of sharing knowledge and skills ensures the best possible outcomes. 

Please note that not all listed therapists are taking new clients at this time.

  • Staff Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Meditation, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Couple Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston

Chris Akel, M.S.W. (he/him) is trained in a variety of 3rd wave theories including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the Unified Protocol. Prior to his time at The Family Institute, Mr.

  • Director of Mindfulness and Behavior Therapies Program
  • Director of Mindfulness and Skills-Based Organizational Services
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Family Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RODBT)
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago
He provides compassionate and practical, skills-based approaches, rooted in meditative practice and supported by scientific evidence, to help people with a wide range of problems.
  • Director of Risk Management
  • Clinical Lecturer
Types of Therapy:
Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), CBT-informed, Couple Therapy, Family Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Evanston, Northbrook

Dr. Friedman's clinical practice includes existential and humanistic approaches to psychotherapy.

  • Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy
Dr. Stewart (she/her) is a clinical social worker with over 27 years of experience. While her practice is broad, she has a particular interest in the intersection of culture and one’s internal emotional experience. Dr. Stewart’s approach is flexible, collaborative and approachable.
  • Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), CBT-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed, Diagnostic Assessment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Integrative Systemic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago

Pam Martinez is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who completed undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychological Counseling from Chicago State University. Ms.

  • Director of Couples Services
  • Therapist
  • MSMFT Program Teaching Faculty
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), CBT-informed, Couple Therapy, DBT-informed, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Integrative Systemic Therapy, Meditation, Premarital Counseling, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Evanston
Ms. Kinsman is a clinical member and Approved Supervisor of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She is also a member of The Family Institute's Alumni Advisory Board and the former elected chief of staff (2015-2016). 

We have several satellite locations in addition to our four main facilities.